Top NJ Shore & Beach Destinations

Posted by: NJ Kids Contributors - June 21, 2018

What Exit Do We Get Off ?

With 130 miles of coastline spanning from Sandy Hook to Cape May of unmatched beaches with treasured lighthouses, fishing and historical villages and scenic views, one does not need to leave this wonderful state. Featured here are our great day trip planning and getaway ideas. Each beach exit offers varied activities and another scenery. You will find wacky activities, traditional Jersey fun boardwalk excitement and competitions of all sorts, as well as historic sites and nature walks. Each exit offers highlights of the beach and special upcoming events and nearby family friendly attractions. So which exit suits you?

EXIT 105 -- SEVENTH PRESIDENT’S BEACH AND LONG BRANCH

Enjoy the beach, boardwalk and Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, a 33-acre county park with facilities for swimming, boating and picnicking. Nearby attraction: Pier Village with shops, restaurants, and skateplex. Jul 4: Oceanfest at Long Branch. Bands by the Beach every Tuesday from Jun 10- Aug 26. Thursdays by the Sea in Long Branch every Thursday from Jun 14- Aug 30

EXIT 98 -- BELMAR

Stretches across 1.3 miles with a revamped boardwalk for walking, jogging, people watching or relaxing. There are colorful and fun beach playgrounds every few blocks. Try the surf camp for kids of all ages, or beach volleyball (nets all set up, just bring the ball). Check out Belmar Parasail, fishing charters. Plenty of shops and restaurants. Movies on the Beach- Every Saturday from Jul 14 to Sept 8

EXIT 98 -- ASBURY PARK

Asbury Park is a historic shore town known for its sandy shore and a revitalized boardwalk lined with unique shops, eclectic restaurants, arcades and cafes. Lot’s of new development throughout. The city’s live music ven-ues include the Stone Pony, which has hosted native New Jerseyans Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. The Silverball Museum’s video games, arcade games and pinball machines date from the 1930s to the present. Nearby Ocean Grove is another beach town with a cute downtown shopping area, and concerts and music. Asbury Park’s Jams on the Sand- Every Thursday from Jun 21- Aug 30

EXIT 98 -- SPRING LAKE

Considered one of the most beautiful seashore towns boasting 2 miles of uncluttered beach and the longest non-commercial boardwalk. You will find well kept Victorian mansions, bed and breakfasts, a quaint downtown area with over 50 fine shops and boutiques, gourmet restaurants and Spring Lake. Jun 9: Art in the Park. Jul 6-22: Shrek at the Spring Lake Theater- Every Friday through Sunday.

EXIT 98 – POINT PLEASANT

All the beach fun plus a mile long boardwalk. Walk along the famous Jenkinson’s boardwalk with dozens of rides along-side games of chance, some of the most competitive miniature golf and Jenkinson’s Aquarium. Kiddie Beach Shows and concerts, fishing excursions and the Antique Emporium. Jul 6 and 16 and Aug 3 and 13: Mermaid Days at Breakwater Beach. Jun 29: Scavenger Hunt at Casino Pier.

EXIT 98 – MANASQUAN

Elks Beach in Manasquan is the only beach dedicated to the handicapped in the Jersey Shore area, providing handicapped parking and a wooden boardwalk to a platform on the beach. In addition, there are several large handicapped chairs available for the use. Other attractions and things to do include: Algonquin Arts Theatre, Fisherman’s Cover Conservation Area, Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway (nature and parks, biking trails), and Paddle boarding. July 1: Concert and Fireworks. July 18: Inlet Celebration. Manasquan. Thursday Concert on the Main Beach. September 2: Labor Day Celebration with concert and fireworks.

EXIT 40 – BRIGANTINE

Relax on pristine white sandy beaches or get active and try your hand at sport fishing and windsurfing. Kids love Shark Park Playground. Other sites include the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, Brigantine Lighthouse and Brigantine Beach Historical Museum. Across the bridge is the world famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. Take a walking tour of the first boardwalk in the U.S. Then soak up the sun and jump the waves at the beach. Shop at the AC Shopping outlets. Aug 4: Amateur Sand Castle Building Contest. Jul 11 and 27, Aug 1 and 22: Movies Under the Stars.

EXIT 0 – CAPE MAY

Located at the southern tip
of Cape May Peninsula where the Delaware Bay
meets the Atlantic Ocean, Cape May is a perfect
destination for both couples and families. There are
beautiful powdery beaches, plus its biggest attractions,
the Cape May County Park and Zoo, Nature
Center of Cape May, and Naval Air Station Wildwood
Aviation Museum at Cape May Airport. Jul 15-Aug
31: Wednesday Concert Series. Jul 6: Army Band
Concert. Aug 3: Cape May Baby Parade.